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RECOGNIZING PATTERNS OF AUTHORITARIAN INFLUENCE
Authoritarian powers are adapting repressive techniques for the digital era and exerting greater influence abroad to weaken democratic institutions, undermine the integrity of the information space, and compromise the exchange of ideas.
The Sharp Power Research Portal catalogues research and reporting on authoritarian sharp power in five sectors: media and information; commerce; culture and entertainment; knowledge generation; and technology.
Explore the interactive map to see how 5 authoritarian powers—China, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—are exerting influence in 143 countries around the world.
resources describing the tactics and effects of sharp power
Media and Information
Authoritarian influencers leverage propaganda, disinformation, censorship, and sway over content delivery systems to undercut the integrity of the information space.
Commerce
Opaque financial flows from authoritarian influencers undermine the rule of law and democratic governance in recipient countries.
Culture and Entertainment
Authoritarian-induced censorship permeates the art, film, television, professional sports, and video game industries in democratic settings.
Knowledge Generation
Universities, think tanks, publishing houses, and other research institutions are targets of authoritarian influencers seeking to compromise the exchange of ideas.
Technology
Authoritarian influencers take advantage of emerging technologies and the globally connected digital environment to extend their reach into open societies.
Latest Resources
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Publication Date: September 30, 2024
Pro-Russian Politicians Step Up Propaganda Efforts ahead of Moldova’s EU Accession Referendum
Authoritarian Country: Russia
Affected Region: Europe, Moldova
Author: Iulian Ernst
Pro-Russian interference is growing ahead of two votes in Moldova. Maia Sandu’s national security adviser estimated that Russia will spend €100mn to interfere with the presidential elections and EU referendum. This interference includes bribes and replacing media closed for pro-Russian propaganda.
Publication Date: September 29, 2023
Sweden Accuses Iran of Targeted ‘Misinformation’ about Quran Burnings
Authoritarian Country: Iran, Russia
Affected Region: Europe, Sweden
Author: Seth J. Frantzman
Iran and Russia-backed disinformation campaigns have used recent Quran burnings to manipulate sentiments in Sweden. Fearing the effects of these malign efforts, the Swedish government has tasked its Agency for Psychological Defense with countering these campaigns.
Publication Date: September 28, 2023
How the People’s Republic of China Seeks to Reshape the Global Information Environment
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Global
The PRC has sought to shape the global information landscape in its favor through information manipulation, intimidation, co-opting journalists and enabling digital authoritarianism with cutting-edge technology.
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
Moldova’s President Calls Out Russian Meddling
Authoritarian Country: Russia
Affected Region: Europe, Moldova
Author: Ahshish Kumar Sen
Moldova has sought support of the EU and international community to safeguard its democratic processes against Russian subversion. Russian tactics include election interference, disinformation, and economic blackmail.
Source: Balkan Insight
Publication Date: September 20, 2024
Orban’s Propaganda Campaign Against Ukraine Proves Surprisingly Effective
Authoritarian Country: Russia
Affected Region: Europe, Ukraine, Hungary
Author: Edit Inotai
As Hungarian President Victor Orban has drawn closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the anti-Ukrainian propaganda in Hungary has become louder. Since 2014, Russia has provoked interethnic conflict between Ukraine and Hungary through disinformation campaigns via online newspapers and posters.
Source: Foreign Policy Research Institute
Publication Date: September 19, 2023
China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Politics Over Economics
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Global
Author: Felix K. Chang
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been expected to enter a new phase following the PRC’s Third BRI Forum in October 2023. With over 150 countries participating in the BRI, China’s plans for its signature initiative have appeared increasingly political and less focused on infrastructure development.
Sharp Power and Democratic Resilience Report Series
A Full-Spectrum Response to Sharp Power: The Strengths and Vulnerabilities of Open Societies
A Full-Spectrum Response to Sharp Power: The Strengths and Vulnerabilities of Open Societies
A Full-Spectrum Response to Sharp Power: The Strengths and Vulnerabilities of Open Societies
Christopher Walker and Jessica Ludwig describe the crucial role of civil society in fostering democratic resilience.
Deals in the Dark: Russian Corrosive Capital in Latin America
Deals in the Dark: Russian Corrosive Capital in Latin America
Deals in the Dark: Russian Corrosive Capital in Latin America
Ruslan Stefanov and Martin Vladimirov analyze Russian strategic corruption efforts in Argentina and Bolivia.
China’s Global Media Footprint: Democratic Responses to Expanding Authoritarian Influence
China’s Global Media Footprint: Democratic Responses to Expanding Authoritarian Influence
China’s Global Media Footprint: Democratic Responses to Expanding Authoritarian Influence
Sarah Cook assesses the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) sharp power efforts to shape media content around the world.
Commanding Ideas: Think Tanks as Platforms for Authoritarian Influence
Commanding Ideas: Think Tanks as Platforms for Authoritarian Influence
Commanding Ideas: Think Tanks as Platforms for Authoritarian Influence
Nadège Rolland describes the ways in which authoritarian countries seek to use think tanks as instruments of sharp power.
Double-Edged Sword: China’s Sharp Power Exploitation of Emerging Technologies
Double-Edged Sword: China’s Sharp Power Exploitation of Emerging Technologies
Double-Edged Sword: China’s Sharp Power Exploitation of Emerging Technologies
Samantha Hoffman describes how the People’s Republic of China leverages emerging technologies to undercut democracies’ stability and legitimacy while expanding its own influence.